Application investigation-hair test??

Nurses Criminal

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Hello, my license application for an rn has been called into investigation due to some marijuana/alcohol charges from my past. Is it possible the board of nursing could call me in to do a random hair follicle test?

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How long ago were the charges for the weed and booze?

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I think the BON would refer you to your states' "monitoring program" offered to nurses and nursing students. It seems different states have fairly similar programs, but there are a few variations. I do believe there are a small handful of states that do NOT offer an 'alternative to discipline' programs. A simple google search would point you to the programs website, if you're unsure of a program in your state.

Then, the program would send you information, regarding seeing a addiction doctor, to determine if they think you need the program. But that's a whole 'nother issue... I've never done the hair sample, but if the program wanted to confirm you've been drug/substance free for three months, that's when they would request/order one.

I do not think it's a automatic no to your application. I know a few nurses, that participated in the monitoring program before they even completed school. Then, when applying for authorization to test, they have a decent amount of documented sobriety.

As far as the board obtaining the hair test, I think the program (versus BON) would require testing. I've really only heard of the hair follicle test when nurses in the program had a 'false positive' urine test, and the participant does this test on their own, to demonstrate it was is truly a false positive.

The BON seems to take their good sweet time, so I'd make sure to return paperwork/ calls right away.

Best of luck... the BON is NOT your friend, their interest is the welfare of the public.

Hopefully you can get things settled with BON quickly...

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to more applicable forum

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@hansenRN they were 5 and 6 years ago. My lawyer said that they could request a hair test at any time, but this seems more like something the medical board would do? Thanks for your responses

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How often are the hair follicle test with the monitoring boards?

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